Walt Disney World loves to constantly mix things up, offer big changes, and add new things constantly. With this nearly constant whirlwind of changes and additions, sometimes it’s hard to keep track. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World soon, here’s what’s coming and what’s new at Disney World 2023 and beyond!
What’s Coming & New at Disney World 2023
I love learning about the all of the new things coming to Disney World, so with every theme park update, I’m all ears – and eyes. 2023 proves to be a great year of additions and updates, so let’s dig right in:
New for All Theme Parks
This year, we’ll see the end of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration on March 31, 2023. But, don’t lose hope for park merriment: 100 Years of Wonder promises to be just as fun. Beginning on January 27, 2023 in Disneyland, the celebration will make its way to Disney World and then all over the globe, hitting the other Disney Parks.
No official kickoff date for 100 Years of Wonder for Disney World has been announced yet, but I’ll add it here as soon as it is.
New at Magic Kingdom 2023
Return of Happily Ever After Fireworks – I’m not sure about you, but the 50th Anniversary fireworks show, Disney Enchantment, is not my favorite. Honestly, if Wishes was brought back, I’d be elated. But, Happily Ever After will be coming back to replace Disney Enchantment at the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Return date is officially April 3, 2023!
Hatbox Ghost – Finally! Disney World is stepping up to the Disneyland plate and adding the Hatbox Ghost into my favorite Magic Kingdom attraction, Haunted Mansion. Date for the spooky addition is sometime in 2023.
TRON Lightcycle Run Coaster – I really can’t wait for this one, either! For several years, we’ve all been patient while the Walt Disney World Railroad was closed so construction on TRON could take place. Happily, the railroad has reopened and now has a cute tunnel in Fantasyland as well as a unique look at the coaster as you pass by. Just released, the official opening date for Tron Lightcycle coaster is April 4, 2023!
New at Epcot 2023
Slowly but surely, all of the construction walls and scrim at Epcot is being swapped out for new rides and attractions. This year, we’re getting the following new things at Epcot:
CommuniCore Hall & Plaza – Located in the World Celebration area of the park (formerly where Future World was). With four unique “neighborhoods”: World Celebration, World World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase (World Showcase already houses the 11 Country Pavilions), we’ll be seeing three brand new areas.
Figment Meet and Greet – This one I’m super excited for! The timeline is the end of 2023 but, hopefully, it will be sooner than later. No details on where it will be located, but I’m going to guess near his attraction, Journey into Imagination with Figment, an awesome Epcot ride that everyone can ride.
Moana: Journey of Water – Just last week, Disney parks gave a behind-the-scenes peek at the new Moana interactive exhibit in Epcot. Described as a water maze filled with unique displays, it gives guests a chance to learn and interact with “living water”. In the center we’ll be able to check out a giant Te Fiti as well!
Harmonious Nighttime Show – Disney has announced that Harmonious, located around the World Showcase Lagoon, will be replaced by the end of 2023, although it looks likely that it will be the first half of the year. Until then, there will be a mediator fireworks show while the new one is being prepared.
Play Pavilion – While Disney Parks announced that the kiddos would get to play in this one a couple of years ago, we’ve been told that it will be open by the end of 2023 – ish.
New at Hollywood Studios 2023
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant – Located at the entrance of Toy Story Land, this table service restaurant will be all about American BBQ. Personally, with the high amount of immersion that the land offers, I’m hoping the restaurant will have the same.
New at Animal Kingdom 2023
Animal Kingdom is taking a backseat for updates in 2023, so there’s nothing of note to address. Should this change, I’ll update it immediately.